At 1st Angelus audience, Pope speaks on God's infinite mercy

At his first Angelus audience, Pope Francis assured the faithful crowded into St. Peter’s Square that “the Lord never tires of forgiving us.”

The new Pope offered a brief reflection on the day’s Gospel, which recounted the story of Christ’s saving the woman caught in adultery. The incident highlights God’s mercy, the Pope said. He recalled a conversation with an elderly woman in Buenos Aires, who said: “If the Lord didn’t forgive everyone, the world would not exist.” Pope Francis related: “I wanted to ask her: 'Tell me, have you studied at the Gregorian?'” Her comment, he said, showed “the wisdom that the Holy Spirit gives: the inner wisdom of God’s mercy.”

The Pope’s midday audience was brief, lasting just about 15 minutes. He spoke only in Italian, but peppered his remarks with light-hearted digressions, earning appreciative cheers from the enormous crowd that had gathered for a first glimpse at the new Pontiff.

As he concluded his remarks, Pope Francis sent the people home with a directive: “Have a good Sunday, and enjoy your lunch.”

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